Ice dispenser for cold therapy

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to the field of medical instruments and particularly to an apparatus used to apply cryotherapy to an injury. The apparatus is comprised of a vessel, a driver, and a directional controller. The vessel is configured such that when it is filled with a liquid and refrigerated, the resultant frozen solid formed within the vessel can be extruded via an exiting aperture. The driver forms a watertight seal with the vessel, allowing the vessel to be filled with liquid and frozen. The directional controller comprises flexible tabs that exert pressure on the sides of the frozen solid, limiting the movement of the frozen solid to one-way extrusion. The user applies force to the driver, thereby urging the frozen solid past the directional controller and out via the exit aperture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of Invention

[0005] This invention relates generally to the field of medical instruments and more specifically to an ice dispenser for the application of cryotherapy or ice massage therapy to an injury.

[0006] 2. Prior Art

[0007] The application of ice or other cold materials to an injury, known as cryotherapy, has long been used as an effective treatment for burns, bruises, arthritic joints and a variety of musculo-skeletal injuries, including sprains, strains, and fractures. It has also been found to be useful in the rehabilitation process after minor surgery, such as arthroscopic surgery. Generally, the goals of cryotherapy are to limit the formation of edema, to reduce pain, and to reduce muscle spasms. There are various types of devices, systems, and methods used today to apply cryotherapy including ice massage, ice immersion, cold whirlpools, ice bags, cold gel packs, cold chemical packs, and vapor-coolant sprays. In the past, ice massage was commonly applied with a piece of ice made by freezing a disposable paper or plastic cup filled with water. This method had several disadvantages. It was awkward and ineffective in that the user's hand was subjected to the low temperature of the frozen liquid. The heat of the user's hand also contributed to premature melting of the ice, thus lessening the useful life of the ice for treatment. Further, it was difficult to control the ice massage to the wounded area, since the cup began to collapse as the ice inside melted, offering a poor gripping surface. Furthermore, the ice would easily slip out of the cup and fall, becoming soiled and difficult to pick up and place back in the cup. Another method was to hold the piece of ice in a cloth. While initially helping to insulate the user's hand from the ice, the cloth quickly became wet from the melting ice, and the wet cloth would again transmit the cold to the user's hand. The use of a piece of cloth also made it difficult to control the pressure and location of the ice massage as it afforded an imprecise and loose grip on the ice.

[0008] An ice applicator for medicinal purposes by Hanson, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,194 Aug. 27, 1985) uses a cup filled with water and a lid with an open top that engages the water when placed on the cup. When the cup and lid assembly are refrigerated, the resultant ice inside the cup forms with a mechanical attachment to the lid. The lid is then removed from the cup, pulling the ice with it, and acting as a handle for the ice.

[0009] A ball of ice gel by Bontemps (U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,395 Jul. 7, 1992) uses a hollow polyolefin sphere containing a frozen cooling mixture that is maintained at a temperature of about—20.degree C. The filled sphere functions to accumulate negative kilocalories and is manipulated by means of an isothermal plastic handle or sleeve in order to apply the sphere to the epidermis.

[0010] A treatment of vascular and tension headache, atypical facial pain, and cervical muscle hyperactivity by Friedman (U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,691 Oct. 14, 1997) uses plastic tubes encasing a column of ice, which ice can be extruded gradually by the patient or clinician by means of a plunger inserted into the tubes to apply ice to the area of tenderness associated with the plexus formed by the posterior superior alveolar branch of the ipsilateral maxillary nerve, as well as to other branches of the trigeminal nerve. Immediately preceding the application of the cold, an injection of a conventional dental anesthetic in the conventional amount used for that purpose could be made.

[0011] Objects and Advantages:

[0012] The primary object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for making, storing, dispensing, and applying a frozen solid to an injured area.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for making, storing and applying a medicated frozen solid to an injured area.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for applying cold therapy, known as cryotherapy to an injured area.

[0015] A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that allows the frozen solid to be exposed incrementally as required, keeping the remainder of the frozen solid from melting.

[0016] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that allows the frozen solid to be applied with pressure as required to provide ice massage while keeping the frozen solid from pushing back into the apparatus.

[0017] Still yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that allows the application of cryotherapy without transmitting cold to the hand that is holding the apparatus.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is shaped so as to be comfortable to hold, manipulate and control while providing a secure grip to the user.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that allows simple and effective breaking of the adhesion between the frozen solid and the vessel with one hand.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that allows partial use of the frozen solid, with the ability to be re-filled and frozen without removing the unused portion of the frozen solid.

[0021] A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that acts as a watertight container, thus preventing leakage and/or spilling if the frozen solid should melt while the apparatus is stored or transported.

[0022] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for keeping the frozen solid insulated from melting for an extended period of time, thus allowing for the transportation and storage of the apparatus until needed.

[0023] A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for keeping the frozen solid refrigerated for an extended period of time, thus allowing for the transportation and storage of the apparatus until needed.

[0024] Still yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for storing and transporting multiple units of frozen solid for an extended period of time that is both leak-proof and insulated.

[0025] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for keeping multiple units of frozen solid refrigerated for an extended period of time, thus allowing for the transportation and storage of the apparatus until needed.

[0026] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The apparatus is comprised of a vessel, a driver, and a directional controller. The vessel is configured such that when it is filled with a liquid and refrigerated, the resultant frozen solid formed within the vessel can be extruded there from. The driver forms a watertight seal with the vessel, allowing the vessel to be filled with liquid and frozen. The user applies force to the driver, thereby dispensing the frozen solid from the vessel. The directional controller limits the movement of the frozen solid to one-way extrusion.

[0028] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a machine or apparatus for the making, storing and application of cryotherapy or ice massage therapy comprising:

[0029] (a) a vessel with at least one exiting aperture configured such that when the vessel is filled with a liquid and refrigerated, the resultant frozen solid formed within the vessel can be extruded via the exiting aperture

[0030] (b) a driver for urging the frozen solid from the exiting aperture of the vessel

[0031] (c) a directional controller for limiting the travel of the frozen solid to one-way extrusion through the exiting aperture in the vessel

[0032] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a machine or apparatus for the making, storing and application of cryotherapy or ice massage therapy comprising:

[0033] (a) a vessel with at least one exiting aperture configured such that when the vessel is filled with a liquid and refrigerated, the resultant frozen solid formed within the vessel can be extruded via the exiting aperture

[0034] (b) driver means for urging the frozen solid from the exiting aperture of the vessel

[0035] (c) controlling means for limiting the travel of the frozen solid to one-way extrusion through the exiting aperture in the vessel

[0036] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a method for the making, storing and application of cryotherapy or ice massage therapy comprising the steps of:

[0037] (a) providing a vessel filled with a frozen solid, and

[0038] (b) extruding the frozen solid from the vessel to incrementally dispense the frozen solid, and

[0039] (c) applying the frozen solid to tissues in need of treatment, whereby the application melts the frozen solid against the tissues in need of treatment to cool the tissues

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

[0041] Figures:

[0042]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the invention.

[0043]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention when assembled.

[0044]FIG. 3 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of the invention.

[0045]FIG. 4 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of the invention.

[0046]FIG. 5 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of the invention.

[0047]FIG. 6 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of the invention.

[0048]FIG. 7 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of the invention.

[0049]FIG. 8 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of the invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0050]10 Vessel

[0051]11 Frozen Solid

[0052]12 Directional controller

[0053]14 Locking Means

[0054]16 First Gripping Surface

[0055]18 Second Gripping Surface

[0056]19 Access Aperture

[0057]20 Driver

[0058]21 Void

[0059]22 Sealing Surface

[0060]24 Driver Base

[0061]26 Retainer

[0062]30 Sealing Closure

[0063]32 Bearing Surface

[0064]34 Sealing Surface

[0065]40 Water-Tight Vessel Assembly

[0066]50 Insulated Storage Means

[0067]52 Bearing Lip

[0068]54 Depression

[0069]56 Cavity

[0070]60 Insulated Storage Means

[0071]62 a Depression

[0072]62 b Depression

[0073]66 a Closure Means

[0074]66 b Closure Means

[0075]68 Hinge

[0076]69 Cavity

[0077]80 Insulated Base

[0078]82 Depression

[0079]84 a Closure Means

[0080]84 b Closure Means

[0081]86 Cavity

[0082]88 Insulated Lid

[0083]90 Insulated Storage Means

[0084]110 Insulated Storage Means

[0085]112 a Depression

[0086]112 b Depression

[0087]116 a Closure Means

[0088]116 b Closure Means

[0089]118 Hinge

[0090]119 Canity

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0091] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. The invention is described below with the aid of FIGS. 1-8. It should be understood that FIGS. 1-8 represent only an exemplary embodiment of an ice applicator system according to the invention. An ice applicator system in accordance with the invention may be embodied in many variations that do not depart essentially from the embodiments described herein. It should be further understood that FIGS. 1-8 are only schematic depictions of ice applicator systems in accordance with the invention, and these figures do not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims below.

[0092] The present invention comprises an inexpensive, safe, simple machine or apparatus by which ice or some other frozen substance for cryotherapy or ice massage can be made, stored, and applied to burns, arthritic joints or sports-related injuries in a safe, clean, comfortable, efficient and convenient manner and without discomfort to the person applying the treatment. The device is comprised of a vessel, a driver, and a directional controller. The vessel is configured such that when it is filled with a liquid and refrigerated, the resultant frozen solid formed within the vessel can be extruded via an exiting aperture. The driver forms a watertight seal with the vessel, allowing the vessel to be filled with liquid and frozen. The directional controller comprises flexible tabs that exert pressure on the sides of the frozen solid, limiting the movement of the frozen solid to one-way extrusion. The user applies force to the driver, thereby urging the frozen solid past the directional controller and out via the exit aperture.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an apparatus according to the invention is shown to comprise a vessel 10, a directional controller 12 and a driver 20. In the preferred embodiment, vessel 10 is configured with a first gripping surface 16 shaped to afford a firm grip while the user is in the process of removing sealing closure 30 or applying force to driver 20 through aperture 19 to urge the frozen solid from vessel 10. Driver 20 is shown configured with a sealing surface 24 which forms a water-tight seal with vessel 10, allowing vessel 10 to be filled with a liquid and refrigerated to form a frozen solid. Driver 20 is also shown configured with a base portion that can protrude through aperture 19 of vessel 10 when driver 20 is in its lowest position relative to vessel 10. The user may strike or push this protruding base portion of driver 20 against a surface to break the adhesion between the frozen solid and vessel 10, initiating the dispensing of the frozen solid from vessel 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that both driver 20 and vessel 10 could be configured in a wide variety of shapes and could be constructed from many different materials and still perform as required. Since ice massage is often performed with pressure applied to the tissues in need of treatment, the user may place the applicator in the palm of the hand, using second gripping surface 18, which is shaped with a beveled surface to afford a comfortable grip while the user is applying the frozen solid to the injured tissues. In the preferred embodiment, driver 20 comprises a retainer 26 to allow the frozen solid to form with a mechanical attachment to driver 20. Those skilled in the art will recognize that retainer 26 could be configured in a wide variety of shapes and could be constructed from many different materials and still perform as required. Sealing closure 30 is shown comprising a sealing surface 34 configured to form a watertight seal with vessel 10, while being held securely in place by locking means 14 on vessel 10. Sealing closure 30 is also shown configured with a bearing surface 32, which could be used to suspend the device in a depression within an insulated storage means as shown in FIG. 4. With sealing closure 30 held securely in place via locking means 14, the components vessel 10, driver 20 and sealing closure 30, form watertight vessel assembly 40

[0094] In FIG. 2 of the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the device is shown ready for use with frozen solid 11 partially extruded from vessel 10. Directional controller 12 exerts pressure on the sides of frozen solid 11, limiting the travel of frozen solid 11 to one-way extrusion. As the user applies force to driver 20 through access aperture 19 in vessel 10 to urge frozen solid 11 out of vessel 10 past directional controller 12, a void 21 is created behind driver 20. This void 21 allows the user to grasp the device in the palm of the hand by second gripping surface 18 such that the user's hand is insulated from the cold of frozen solid 11.

[0095]FIG. 3 shows a partially cross-sectional perspective view to illustrate the relationship of the components of the device in its preferred embodiment. FIG. 3 clearly illustrates the manner in which driver base 24 protrudes from aperture 19 of vessel 10, allowing the user to strike or push this protruding base portion of driver 20 against a surface to break the adhesion between frozen solid 11 and vessel 10, initiating the dispensing of the frozen solid from vessel 10. FIG. 3 also clearly shows the beveled shape of second gripping surface 18, which would afford a comfortable grip while the user grasps the device in the palm of the hand at gripping surface 18 and applies frozen solid 11 to the injured tissues. With sealing closure 30 held securely in place via locking means 14, the components vessel 10, driver 20 and sealing closure 30, form a water-tight vessel assembly 40 FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention, including insulated storage means 50 which would be used to keep the frozen solid contained in a plurality of water-tight vessel assemblies 40 from melting for an extended period of time, allowing for transportation or storage of the frozen solid until needed. FIG. 4 shows watertight vessel assembly 40 placed in a depression 54 of insulated storage means 50 such that bearing surface of watertight vessel assembly 40 rests against bearing lip 52 of insulated storage means 50. Insulated storage means 50 is shown configured with a double-walled construction, thereby forming cavity 56 which can be filled with a number of insulating materials including, but not limited to insulating foam or dead air space. In an alternate embodiment, cavity 56 can be filled with a re-freezable material to provide a portable means for keeping the watertight vessel assemblies 40 refrigerated for an extended period of time.

[0096]FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention, including insulated storage means 60 which would be used to keep the frozen solid contained in a plurality of water-tight vessel assemblies 40 from melting for an extended period of time, allowing for transportation or storage of the frozen solid until needed. FIG. 5 illustrates a clamshell design of insulated storage means 60 with two matching halves that are connected via hinge 68 and held closed via closure means 66 a and 66 b. Watertight vessel assembly 40 may be contained securely in depressions 62 a and 62 b of insulated storage means 60 when insulated storage means 60 is held closed by closure means 66 a and 66 b. Insulated storage means 60 is shown configured with a double-walled construction, thereby forming cavity 69 which can be filled with a number of insulating materials including, but not limited to insulating foam or dead air space. In an alternate embodiment, cavity 69 can be filled with a re-freezable material to provide a portable means for keeping the watertight vessel assemblies 40 refrigerated for an extended period of time.

[0097]FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the invention, including insulated storage means 90 which would be used to keep the frozen solid contained in a plurality of water-tight vessel assemblies 40 from melting for an extended period of time, allowing for transportation or storage of the frozen solid until needed. FIG. 6 illustrates a drop-in design of insulated storage means 90 with depressions configured to receive a plurality of watertight vessel assemblies 40. Insulated lid 88 is held securely to insulated base 80 via closure means 84 a and 84 b.

[0098] Insulated storage means 90 is shown configured with a double-walled construction, thereby forming cavity 86 which can be filled with a number of insulating materials including, but not limited to insulating foam or dead air space. In an alternate embodiment, cavity 86 can be filled with a re-freezable material to provide a portable means for keeping the watertight vessel assemblies 40 refrigerated for an extended period of time.

[0099]FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show yet another embodiment of the invention, including insulated storage means 110 which would be used to keep the frozen solid contained in a plurality of water-tight vessel assemblies 40 from melting for an extended period of time, allowing for transportation or storage of the frozen solid until needed. FIG. 7 illustrates a double clamshell design of insulated storage means 110 with two matching halves that are connected via hinges 118 to a double sided core 114 and held closed via closure means 116 a and 116 b. Watertight vessel assemblies 40 may be contained securely in depressions 112 a and 112 b of insulated storage means 110 when insulated storage means 110 is held closed by closure means 116 a and 116 b. Insulated storage means 110 is shown configured with a double-walled construction, thereby forming cavity 119 which can be filled with a number of insulating materials including, but not limited to insulating foam or dead air space. In an alternate embodiment, cavity 119 can be filled with a re-freezable material to provide a portable means for keeping the watertight vessel assemblies 40 refrigerated for an extended period of time.

[0100] Numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function of the invention, and novel features thereof are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangements of parts, within the principle of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

[0101] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A machine or apparatus for the making, storing and application of cryotherapy or ice massage therapy comprising: (a) a vessel with at least one exiting aperture configured such that when said vessel is filled with a liquid and refrigerated, the resultant frozen solid formed within the vessel can be extruded via said exiting aperture (b) a driver for urging the frozen solid from the exiting aperture of said vessel (c) a directional controller for limiting the travel of the frozen solid to one-way extrusion through the exiting aperture in said vessel
 2. A machine or apparatus for the making, storing and application of cryotherapy or ice massage therapy comprising: (a) a vessel with at least one exiting aperture configured such that when said vessel is filled with a liquid and refrigerated, the resultant frozen solid formed within the vessel can be extruded via said exiting aperture (b) driver means for urging the frozen solid from the exiting aperture of said vessel (c) controlling means for limiting the travel of the frozen solid to one-way extrusion through the exiting aperture in said vessel
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said vessel is constructed of an insulating material
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said controlling means is comprised of flexible tabs configured to apply pressure to the sides of said extruded frozen solid, thereby limiting the travel of the frozen solid to incremental, one-way extrusion through the exiting aperture in said vessel
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said driver means is configured so as to form a water-tight seal with the inside of said vessel to allow the vessel to be filled with a liquid, refrigerated, and frozen until needed
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said driver means is configured so as to protrude from an access aperture in said vessel, thereby allowing the user to strike or push the protruding portion of the driver means against a surface to break the adhesion between said frozen solid and the vessel, thereby initiating the extrusion of the frozen solid there from
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said driver means is configured with a retainer means, thereby allowing said frozen solid to form with a mechanical attachment to the driver means
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further comprising an insulated storage means with depressions to receive said apparatus
 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said storage means is configured to hold a plurality of said vessels
 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said apparatus is configured with a bearing surface for suspending said apparatus in a depression of said storage means
 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said insulated storage means is configured with cavities filled with a freezable liquid or gel
 12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said insulated storage means is configured with cavities filled with an insulating material
 13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the outer surface of said vessel comprises features selected from the group consisting of textures, detents, protrusions, rings and ledges to help the user maintain a firm grip on the vessel
 14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a closure means forming a watertight seal at the exiting aperture of said vessel
 15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said driver comprises a screw-type mechanism to urge said frozen solid from said vessel
 16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said driver comprises a lever mechanism to urge said frozen solid from said vessel
 17. A method for the making, storing and application of cryotherapy or ice massage therapy comprising the steps of: (a) providing a vessel filled with a frozen solid, and (b) extruding said frozen solid from said vessel incrementally to dispense said frozen solid, and (c) applying said frozen solid to tissues in need of treatment, whereby the application melts the frozen solid against the tissues in need of treatment to cool said tissues 